Glenhayes, W. Va. — The Tolsia girls ( 8-14 ) held on for a 41-39 Senior night victory over #5 Wahama ( 15-7 ) on Friday at Rebel Arena.
Tolsia Seniors
Mckenzie Cassell, Amber Stevens, Emily Artrip
Emily Artrip led the Lady Rebels with a team high 20 points, Amber Stevens tallied 9 points, Carly Johnson netted 4 points, Jacey Crum and Kalynn Salmons scored 3 points each, Mckenzie Cassell chipped in with 2 points.
Tolsia hit 3 three pointers and went 5 for 11 from the free throw line.
Wahama was led by Elissa Hoffman with 12 points, Kalyn Christian had 8 points, Kate Reynolds 7 points, Fionna VanMatre 6 points, Addison VanMeter 5 points, Violet Connolly 2 points.
The White Falcons hit 7 three pointers and went 8 for 10 from the free throw line.
Tolsia 52 Grace Christian 43 ( Friday )
The Lady Rebels went on the road and took down the Soldiers on Valentines Day.
Emily Artrip led the way with 16 points, Amber Stevens tallied 15 points, Kalynn Salmons added 11 points, Jacey Crum netted 5 points, Olivia Kelly had 4 points, Piper Pack chipped in with 1 point.
Tolsia hit 5 three pointers and went 11 of 22 from the free throw line.
Grace Christian was led by Tia Harris with 16 points, Jenna Tanner 13 points, AB Perry 6 points, Kaylie Stapleton 4 points, Sarah Hutchison and Eva Conley had 2 points each.
The Soldiers hit 4 three pointers and went 7 of 12 from the free throw line.
The #5 seeded Rebels begin postseason play in the Region 4 tournament next Friday night on the road at #4 Calhoun Co. with the winner going to #1 Gilmer Co. on Wednesday March 5th.
#3 seeded Wahama will host #6 Huntington St. Joe on Friday with the winner advancing to play #2 Tug Valley on Wednesday March 5th.
Tolsia Head Coach Ric Morrone
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… It was a great night. Really proud of our Seniors, all of them were big contributors tonight in one way or the other and that is how it’s been the last four years. We had the lead and they tied it up at 37 and I really challenged them down the stretch defensively as a group to get some stops and they did.”
“… It’s been a challenging week for us with the weather to get this game in but we were going to one way or the other for these seniors. Proud of them and really appreciate the crowd they were great. We have a big test next week with a trip to Calhoun Co. but we will get back in the gym Saturday and start preparing for them.”
“… Once Amber Stevens fouled out we went small and put a quicker lineup on the floor and I think that gave them some problems. We got our hands on the basketball a few times with deflections and they couldn’t get a clean look.”
“ … These Seniors came in right after Covid and they have been to the mountain top with our first state tournament appearance since 2016, played in three straight region title games, they will all be successful in whatever they choose to do in life and it’s been an enjoyable run with them and I’m really proud to be there Coach.”
